I opened my bag, intending to place the documents securely inside. But my fingers brushed against something else.
The sealed letter. I had almost forgotten. Carefully, I pulled it out. This time, I opened it.
Inside was a recommendation. My name written clearly. Approval for entry into the Direwolf Pack.
A small slip of paper fell from the envelope.
A number. I stared at it for a moment before pulling out my phone.
My fingers hesitated briefly. Then I dialed. The line rang once. Twice.
Then, it connected.
“Who is this?”
The voice was deep.
“My name is Stephanie,” I said quietly.
There was a brief pause.
“I see.”
The tone shifted slightly. Recognition.
“Elder Elisse mentioned you.”
My grip tightened slightly around the phone.
“Yes.”
“Do you need someone to pick you up?” he asked directly. Straightforward.
I glanced at the time.
“Not yet,” I said. “It will be later tonight.”
Another pause.
“After the event,” I added.
“I understand,” he replied. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
Something about his voice felt… steady. Reliable.
“Thank you.”
“We’ll be waiting.”
The line went dead. I lowered the phone slowly.
The event hall was filled to capacity. Lights. Cameras. Energy. Everything felt grand. Important.